People with disabilities are regularly the targets of hate crimes. These crimes remain widely unknown, hidden and misunderstood. Recognizing the magnitude of the problem is the first step in effectively countering these hate crimes. This factsheet provides information on how to recognize and report hate crimes against people with disabilities. This is the first publication in a series that highlights how hate crime affects different groups.

ODIHR has developed Training on Effective and Human Rights-Compliant Policing in Roma and Sinti Communities to strengthen the capacities of police officers operating at the local level in working effectively with Roma and Sinti and mixed communities, while complying with international human rights standards.

This publication has been developed in cooperation between DCAF and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) as part of an ongoing research project on ombuds institutions for the armed forces. It is the result of an effort to conceptualize and examine issues and challenges related to oversight of the armed forces and the promotion of human rights based on the feedback provided by the institutions themselves. It maps prominent capacity development needs of ombuds institutions in the OSCE region, and offers best practices through which these needs can be addressed. The study also examines different models, functions and approaches of ombuds institutions for the armed forces in the OSCE region. The mapping study will hopefully help states that wish to establish ombuds institutions by identifying the best format for doing so but it can also support existing ombuds institutions, scholars, policy-makers and armed forces commanders by offering a reference instrument on the current state of ombuds institutions in the OSCE region.

... The OSCE and election observation The Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE) is the world’s largest regional security Organization, bringing together 57 members known as “participating States” from Europe, Central Asia and North America, including the United States. ...

... The free and open exchange of views and infor- mation is vital to helping governments protect and promote human rights, fundamental free- doms and tolerance and non-discrimination, as well as to improve and strengthen democratic practices and institutions, Gernot Erler, Germa-